Staff development 'essential to worker retention'

Managers can use active staff development initiatives as a powerful tool for promoting worker retention, according to a change management expert.

Elizabeth Bacchus, director of career development firm thesuccessfulcv.com, stated that structured learning and development programmes can help a company to avoid losing talented employees to competitors.

She observed that most people wish to develop their abilities and employment credentials, meaning any company that offers facilities to do so will become more attractive.

Ms Bacchus stated that implementing strategic succession plans can be a key part of this, as can providing workplace mentors and talent spotters to ensure able workers are supported and utilised appropriately.

"Producing simple, yet effective performance and assessment tools and measurements that are clearly communicated and understood by all managers is critical," she added.

This comes after a recent report from Mercer noted that staff retention challenges are particularly pertinent among younger workers, who have been shown to be more likely to move to new jobs even if they are satisfied with their current employers.

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